Today's health topic

Headaches — When to worry, what to do

Nearly everyone has had a headache, and most of us have had many. A minor headache is little more than a nuisance that’s relieved by an over-the-counter pain reliever, some food or coffee, or a short rest. But if your headache is severe or unusual, it could be a sign of a stroke, tumor, or blood clot. These headaches call for prompt medical care. Here are some warning signs:

Headaches that first develop after age 50
A major change in the pattern of your headaches
An unusually severe “worst headache ever”
Pain that increases with coughing or movement
Headaches that get steadily worse
Changes in personality or mental function
Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures
Headaches that are accompanied by a painful red eye
Headaches that are accompanied by pain and tenderness near the temples
Headaches after a blow to the head
Headaches that prevent normal daily activities
Headaches that come on abruptly, especially if they wake you up
Headaches in patients with cancer or impaired immune systems

There are more than 300 types of headaches, but only about 10% of headaches have a known cause. The others are called primary headaches. Click here for a rundown on some major primary headaches.

Headaches

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